We are delighted to be able to offer salmon and sea trout fishing on the Gallery beat on the North Esk. This lovely river produces annual catches to rival those of the Tay, Spey, Dee and Tweed. Smaller than some of its illustrious neighbours it’s easily fished which greatly increases the chances of covering and catching fish.
Given appropriate weather conditions the North Esk in Angus is a prolific salmon river and provides excellent sport. Rising in the Grampians and partly fed by Loch Lee, the river has three distinct characteristics. Above Edzel the river is a highland stream with boulder strewn pools and reliant on spate conditions. It breaks through onto lower ground at the Loups where spectacular waterfalls and deep pools offer a different type of fishing. The river enters a gentler environment as it cuts through the Vale of Strathmore, offering well defined pools and great fly water. The North Esk is about 35 miles long and enters the sea north of Montrose.
The Gallery beat which sits below the Loups, is one of the most productive on the river and offers anglers delightful fly water. The beat is reaping the benefits from the buyout of all netting rights on the river and the latest five year average is 96 salmon and 30 sea trout.
Prospects are good throughout the season, and it is not uncommon for fish to be caught on the opening day when the spring season starts in February. The North Esk fish counter has recorded big runs of fish appearing in June and July. The biggest salmon caught in the 2023 season was 20lb from the tail of the Ministers pool on a skull head cascade.
The sea trout fishing potential has not been fully exploited but with dedicated night fishing the prospects are very good. The 2023 Season was the best on record for sea trout with 78 fish up to six pounds recorded.
The beat is approximately 1.5 miles with easy access and well-maintained banks. The right hand bank is single and the left hand double. A maximum of four rods can fish at a time over the 12 named pools.
There are a couple of good accommodation options nearby including Balmaleedie House which can sleep nine and The Mill House which can sleep up to four. The former is £1,100 a week or £594 part week and the latter £583 for a full week and £385 part week.
North Esk River, Prices and current availability:
Fishing prices in 2024:
Feb to June £80
July £100
August £115
September and October £130
Four rods per day.
Availability:
2 – 9 June
16 – 23 June
23 – 30 June
1 – 7 July
7 – 14 July
14 – 21 July
If you would like more details about salmon fishing on the North Esk river, or any of our Scottish salmon fishing destinations, please do not hesitate to contact us on email or call +44(0)1980 847389.